Harrison is new operating chief for Spirit

15th Aug 2007

Spirit Airlines has announced the appointment of Martin Harrison as executive vice president and chief operating officer, reporting directly to Ben Baldanza, president and chief executive officer.Harrison joins Spirit from easyJet PLC, one of Europe’s most successful Ultra Low Cost Carriers. At easyJet, Harrison served as head of crew resource planning, head of network operations, operations business manager and sat on the easyJet Operations Board. He also brings experience from British Airways, where he worked in various technical operations positions. At Spirit, Martin will be responsible for all Ground Operations, Flight Operations, Technical Operations, and the System Operation Control Center.

“Martin brings more than his 20 years experience in the airline industry - he brings with him great expertise in the European-style Ultra Low Cost Carrier model that we are building here at Spirit,” Baldanza said. “We went looking for just the right COO who had the perfect blend of business and operational experience, and who understands how to successfully run an Ultra Low Cost Carrier. Spirit is well on its way to being the lowest cost airline in all of the Americas, and Martin will contribute greatly to this goal by helping all of Spirit improve our efficiency.”

“I am really excited to be joining Spirit, as the airline continues its journey as the first Ultra Low Cost Carrier in the Americas,” Harrison said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of the employees and am so impressed by their professionalism and commitment to customers. There is a lot of very good work being done at Spirit, and I look forward to working with everyone as we continue to grow this airline.”——-